The Power of Voting

2020 has been a tough year, to say the least, but when it comes down to race, black people, as always, have had the toughest year. Rayshard Brooks, Daniel Prude, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, and Aura Rosser to name a few have been on our minds and our hearts as we continue to walk and say their names to get equality in this country. For our parents, grandparents, and ancestors our view and experience with racism are very different. They experienced it face to face and were on the front line with it, but when it comes to millennials we have a different aspect that takes a toll on us that we aren’t even aware of. 

Unlike those before us, we are constantly reminded of it every day. Well, our ancestors were too, right? Correct, however; millennials have the technology and social media which allows them to view not only one or two or three but all unlawful and wrongful killings that have taken place. This past summer following the heartbreaking death of George Floyd, protests were happening all over the country and throughout the world. Yes, you see it on tv, express your feelings with colleagues and see the two presidential candidates talk about plans to make things better but where do you see it? You see it on social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Anytime you scroll on your timeline/feed you are unknowingly reminded by video footage of George Floyd's neck being kneed on, Breonna Taylor's house being raided and emotions rushing back about how Trayvon Martin went to the convenience store for some skittles and tea and was murdered over it. 

While speaking with a few millennials they expressed that they were numb to the feeling of systematic racism and how the government is handling it. “It's not that I don’t care about my people”, says Mercedes Blackburn, a senior at the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN. “It’s the fact that every day it is something. Every day I am reminded about how my people are always and will forever be let down by the system. We must educate ourselves to the fullest, come together and stay together, as well as understand that voting is important for us.” Today, November 3rd, 2020 is Election Day. What will you do? Will you go to the polls and let your voice be heard? Will you sit at home and cry that same dried speech that your vote doesn’t matter? Will you take a stand and inform followers on your social media that voting matters for all? 

We have seen a lot this year and it will only change if we get up and do something about it. For black people, our ancestors fought and gave their lives for us to have the opportunity to cast our vote and be treated fairly in this country. Will you let that go to waste? Will you sit back next year and complain about laws that are being passed that do not have the black man in mind? Will you hang in the shadows while others try to make the change that you should be making yourself? Today is Election Day and the day that you have the opportunity to vote someone out of the office that sugar coats what he thinks can be best for you, a black person. 

Please, if you have not voted, go online and see where you can vote in your neighborhood today. Take a friend or family member and remember that this isn’t just for you, but for your people. Placing the “I voted” sticker on your chest confirms that you know your voice matters, as it always has.